What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, car rental companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is real and current, without them having to contact your home country to verify it.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without one, and some countries will not recognize your license alone if you are stopped. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get, and it costs between $15 and $30 to obtain in the United States.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot get one online or by mail from most providers, though some AAA locations do offer mail service.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at most locations or by mail through select AAA branches.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo to get an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid for one year or three years depending on which version you purchase, and costs between $15 and $30.
  • Car rental companies often require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so check with your rental agency before you travel.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the most common source for IDPs in the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person with your documents and receive your permit the same day. If you are not a member, you can still get an IDP at an AAA office, but you may pay a small additional fee. AAA has hundreds of locations across the country, and you can find the nearest one on their website by entering your zip code.

Some AAA branches offer mail service for IDP applications. You mail in your completed process form, a color passport photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a copy of your passport or government ID. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Not all AAA locations offer this service, so call ahead or check their website to confirm.

AATA is the second authorized issuer and operates through a smaller network. You can find AATA locations on their website, though they are less common than AAA offices. The process and documents required are the same as with AAA.

Do not use third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs online or by email. These are not legitimate — the U.S. State Department has not authorized any online-only service to issue IDPs, and scam sites often take your money without delivering a real document.

Documents you need to bring or send

You will need four things to get an IDP: a valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (usually your passport), a completed process form, and a passport-sized photo.

Your driver's license must be current and not expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Your government ID can be a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID — it just needs to show your photo and signature. The process form is provided by AAA or AATA and takes about five minutes to complete. You can read it from their website or fill it out in person at the office.

The passport photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have one taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, or at drugstore photo departments. If you already have passport photos from a recent passport process, those will work.

If you are explore by mail, make copies of your driver's license and government ID — do not send the originals. Send the copies along with your photo, completed process, and payment.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

AAA and AATA offer two versions of the International Driving Permit: a one-year version and a three-year version. The one-year permit costs less upfront but requires renewal sooner. The three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and is better if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to live abroad for a few years.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license expires before then. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, you must renew your U.S. license — an expired U.S. license makes your IDP invalid, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet.

To renew an IDP, you follow the same process as getting a new one: visit an AAA or AATA office (or mail in your process) with a valid U.S. driver's license, government ID, new passport photo, and the renewal fee. You do not need to return your old IDP — just bring the new documents and pay again.

What to do before you travel internationally

Get your IDP at least two weeks before your trip. If you are explore in person, you can usually get it the same day, but if you are mailing your process, processing takes one to two weeks. Building in extra time protects you if the mail is slow or if you need to make a second trip to an office.

Before you book a rental car, contact the rental company and ask whether they require an IDP. Many companies do, even in countries where it is not legally required. Some rental companies will not rent to you without one, so confirming this early saves you from arriving at the rental counter and being turned away.

Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. Some countries do require an IDP by law, while others do not. Your country's embassy website or the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country will list the requirements. Even if an IDP is not legally required, carrying one is a good idea because it makes your license easier for police to understand if you are stopped.

Keep your U.S. driver's license and IDP together at all times while traveling. The IDP is only valid when presented with your original U.S. license. If you lose one, you will need to replace it before you can drive legally.

Cost and membership considerations

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version and whether you are a AAA member. AAA members typically pay less than non-members. If you are not a member and plan to travel internationally more than once, joining AAA may pay for itself through the discount on the IDP plus other travel benefits.

AAA membership itself costs money — basic membership starts around $50 to $70 per year, though prices vary by region and membership level. If you only need an IDP once, paying the non-member fee at an AAA office is cheaper than joining. If you travel internationally regularly or want roadside information and other AAA benefits, membership may be worth it.

AATA charges similar fees to AAA for non-members, and AATA does not have a membership program. If you prefer to avoid membership, AATA is a good alternative.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not wait until the day before your trip to get an IDP. Mail processing takes time, and if you need to explore in person, you want to be sure an office is open and has staff available. Two weeks is a safe minimum.

Do not assume your IDP is valid without your U.S. driver's license. They must be carried together. If you lose your U.S. license while traveling, your IDP becomes useless.

Do not confuse an IDP with a foreign driver's license. An IDP does not give you permission to drive in another country — it only translates your U.S. license. You still need to follow that country's traffic laws and carry your U.S. license as proof that you are licensed to drive.

Do not buy an IDP from a website that is not AAA or AATA. Scam sites exist and will take your money without sending a real document. Stick to official AAA or AATA locations or their authorized mail services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, and your U.S. driver's license alone is usually enough. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request an IDP, so check with your rental agency before you book. An IDP can be helpful if you are stopped by police and want to make communication easier.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and current to get an IDP. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles first, then explore for the IDP.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid, and you should not drive. If your IDP expires during a long trip, you will need to return home or find another way to travel. This is why choosing the three-year version is often better for people who travel internationally multiple times.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for a motorcycle or commercial license?

Yes. An IDP translates any valid U.S. driver's license, including motorcycle endorsements and commercial licenses. Bring the same documents and follow the same process as you would for a standard license.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country, which you would need if you were moving to or living in that country. If you are relocating abroad, you will need to get a license from that country's driving authority, not just an IDP.